Rhinoplasty is one of the most delicate and intricate procedures in plastic surgery. It requires not only surgical skill but also an artistic understanding of facial balance and proportion. At Eisemann Plastic Surgery Center in Houston, triple board-certified Dr. Michael Eisemann and board-certified Dr. Bradley Eisemann are often called upon to perform revision rhinoplasty—particularly when prior surgeries have left patients with limited cartilage to work with. This can make correcting or reshaping the nose more complex, but advanced solutions are available. Read on to discover how experienced surgeons approach this challenge.
Why Cartilage Matters in Rhinoplasty
Cartilage provides the structure and support that shape the nose. In primary rhinoplasty, surgeons often rely on the patient’s own nasal cartilage to refine the bridge, tip, or nostrils. When cartilage has already been removed, weakened, or scarred from prior surgery, it can leave the nose unstable or aesthetically unbalanced. In these cases, revision rhinoplasty requires carefully chosen grafting techniques to restore both function and form.
Options When Nasal Cartilage Is Insufficient
When there isn’t enough cartilage left in the nose, skilled plastic surgeons may turn to other safe and effective sources:
- Septal cartilage: Often the first choice, though in revision cases, it may already be depleted.
- Ear cartilage: Taken from behind the ear, this provides pliable grafts useful for reshaping the nose while leaving the ear’s appearance unchanged.
- Rib cartilage: Harvested from the patient’s own rib, this is a stronger graft source ideal for structural support, especially in complex reconstructions.
- Donor grafts: In select cases, processed cadaver cartilage, rigorously tested and widely accepted for safety, may be used as an alternative when patient cartilage is limited.
Each option has specific strengths, and determining the right graft requires advanced surgical judgment as well as a clear understanding of the patient’s goals.
Why Experience Matters Most
Revision rhinoplasty is considered one of the most challenging procedures in plastic surgery. Success depends not only on selecting the right grafting material but also on the surgeon’s ability to place and shape it precisely, while anticipating how tissues will heal over time. Dr. Michael Eisemann’s triple board certification and decades of experience, paired with Dr. Bradley Eisemann’s fellowship training in craniofacial surgery, give patients confidence that even the most complex cases can be approached with technical mastery and artistic vision.
Refined, Natural Results With Eisemann Plastic Surgery Center
At Eisemann Plastic Surgery Center, patients benefit from a personalized approach. The father-son surgical team takes time to carefully evaluate each patient’s unique anatomy and surgical history, ensuring that the chosen grafting technique supports long-term function and natural, balanced aesthetics. If you have been told there isn’t enough cartilage to fix your nose, effective solutions are available—and the right expertise can make all the difference.
Are you considering revision rhinoplasty in Houston? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Eisemann and Dr. Bradley Eisemann at Eisemann Plastic Surgery Center. With world-class credentials and a reputation for elegant, natural results, they are trusted experts in even the most complex cases.
